4.1 INTRODUCTORY ( Physical and Nature of Science) 15 Days This module introduces fourth grade science students to classroom, laboratory and safety procedures, methods and techniques that will be followed throughout the year. The lessons in this module are designed to help establish cooperative group behaviors in a laboratory setting, become familiar with basic science equipment and apply the scientific process skills.

4.2 WEATHER (Earth, Physical and Nature of Science) 18 DaysThe weather module focuses on concepts and vocabulary related to the study of weather. Lessons in this module explore the relationship between the energy that comes from the sun and the resulting weather on Earth. Students will investigate the atmosphere, the causes of weather, the creation of winds, how temperature affects weather and how weather affects the land and the oceans. The relationship between weather and climate is also investigated, as well as the advancements and contributions of scientists in the field of Meteorology.

4.3 OCEANS (Earth, Physical and Nature of Science) 19 DaysThe oceans module focuses on concepts and vocabulary related to the study of oceans and its affect on the land and people. Lessons in this module explore the relationship between the energy that comes from the sun and the cycles that occur in the ocean system. Lessons will also examine the relationships between the ocean and weather systems, between the moon’s gravity and tides and between salinity and ocean density. Students will become aware of how the research and discoveries of oceanographers have contributed to the environment and society.

4.4 SOIL & FOSSIL MODULE (Earth, Physical, Life and Nature of Science) 28 DaysThe lessons in this module focus on the concepts and vocabulary related to the study of soil and fossils. This soil and fossil module highlights the importance of soil to life on Earth and how most products can be traced back to soil. Lessons examine the soil system and identify it as an integral part of our Earth system, along with the atmosphere and oceans. Other lessons explore soil formation, components, profiles, types and nutrients, as well as, soil weathering, erosion and conservation. The importance of the fossil record to the scientific study of past life on Earth is woven into the lessons on fossils. Investigations include the processes by which fossils are formed and preserved in sedimentary rock, as well as, the identification of the different types of fossils.

4.5 SPACE: SUN AND PLANETS (Earth, Physical and Nature of Science) 15 DaysThe lessons in this module introduce 4th grade science students to the concepts and vocabulary related to the study of space and in particular the sun and planets of the solar system. Lessons focus on the order of the planets in the solar system, the characteristics of the sun and its importance to life on Earth, how the sun, planets and moons move in relationship to one another and how the force of gravity affects objects on Earth and in space. Students explore cycles within the solar systems and recognize predictable patterns. They also identify change over time and hypothesize about past and future events.

4.6 FORCE AND MOTION (Physical and Nature of Science) 20 DaysThe lessons in this module introduce 4th grade science students to the concepts and vocabulary related to the study of force and motion. Lessons explore the relationship between force and motion. Students investigate forces such as contact force, gravity, electricity, magnetism and friction that cause and stop motion. They are introduced to the laws of motion by using models while conducting a series of repeated investigations. As a result, students are able to observe results, recognize predictable patterns and hypothesize about past and future events.

4.7 MATTER (Physical and Nature of Science) 27 DaysThe lessons in this module introduce 4th grade science students to the concepts and vocabulary related to the study of matter. Lessons focus on the changing states of matter and how matter is affected by heat, sound and other forms of energy. Students use models and laboratory investigations to explore concepts, such as density, buoyancy, solubility, transfer of heat and how vibrations travel through matter to produce sound. As a result, students are able to observe results, recognize predictable patterns and hypothesize and draw conclusions based on evidence about the behaviors of matter under certain conditions. As an additional focus, students are introduced to the work of scientists studying the behavior of matter and how these studies lead to many new scientific advancements and products.

4.8 LIFE: PLANTS AND ANIMALS (Life, Physical, Earth and Nature of Science) 27 DaysThe lessons in this module focus on the classification, characteristics and adaptations of plants and animals. Students become familiar with the differences between inherited characteristics and learned behaviors. Cycles and systems, processes that require change over time and the recognition of patterns are also examined. As in the other modules, students are introduced to the accomplishments of scientists working in the field of biology.